New York appoints its first black woman boxing commissioner

New York has its first-ever female African-American boxing commissioner, thanks to Gov. David Patterson.

Veteran boxing judge Melvina Lathan has been appointed to head the New York State Athletic Commission, the three-member board (appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate) that regulates professional boxing in New York. Lathan’s Senate confirmation was completed on May 30, 2007.

“I am honored and flattered Gov. Paterson has chosen me to lead the New York State Athletic Commission,” Lathan said in a statement. “I pledge to maintain the original mission of the Athletic Commission and catapult it to meet the demands of today’s boxing industry. In 1911, New York became the first state in the nation to regulate the sport of boxing. Our primary objective is protecting the health, safety and welfare of the participants. Today, our goal is to continue to be the standard-bearer for professional boxing in the United States.”

Lathan became the first African American female licensed as a Professional Boxing Judge in New York in 1991. During her distinguished career she has judged more than 235 fight cards, including 82 World Title Bouts across the United States, Europe, and South America.